George’s Treehouse, Bob’s Treelodge and Rooster’s Rest
Description: A farm estate containing three luxury abodes
Service: A helping hand in marketing and online guidance
Company: Quality Unearthed
Telephone: 01348 830 922
Website: www.qualityunearthed.co.uk
Details: Quality Unearthed provided advice and expertise on market expectations at this beautiful rural site and the proactive owners were quick to implement new development ideas.
Using its professional team of copywriters and photographers, Quality Unearthed created an enticing online product before launching marketing campaigns through its website, social media channels, affiliates, targeted emails and PPC (pay per click) on Google. It also used its dedicated PR agency to encourage features in magazines, newspapers and other major publications.
12-hour daily booking and sales management helped reduce the workload, while the owners were able to create a wonderful guest experience, achieving a 5-star Feefo rating on every review. Bookings have dramatically increased, and both parties were extremely pleased with the partnership and prospects.
Feedback: Owner, Jo Carroll, said: “We would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Quality Unearthed to other hosts. Being new to the business, they have been an invaluable source of advice in helping us build up our business from scratch. Their Owner Team is superb and always available to help with anything from pricing structures to advice on new building projects.
“They have an extremely proactive marketing team that works tirelessly to ensure properties get the exposure they deserve, and this has quickly converted into bookings. Plus, their photographer is probably the best in the business and will take the most captivating shots of your properties.
We have built a close and trusted partnership with Quality Unearthed and are delighted that we joined their collection.”
Wigwam Sites Across the UK
Description: Nationwide glamping sites
Service: ‘Business in a box’
Company: Wigwam Holidays
Telephone: 0131 450 7126
Website: www.wigwamholidays.com
Details: Wigwam Holidays is one of the UK’s leading glamping accommodation providers. Over 80 sites nationwide are testament to its ongoing success.
Wigwam Holidays operates a franchise opportunity which includes the full business package from initial site visits, help with planning permission, funding applications, a booking system, assistance with marketing and an effective website listing.
As well as providing a ‘business in a box’, the Wigwam Holidays team works tirelessly throughout the year to spread the word about the glamping cabins, with an excellent PR and marketing team, attendances at the key agricultural and industry shows and nationwide advertising campaigns.
Wigwam Holidays builds its cabins in Scotland with a number of choices, from three-person to five-person models, some of which are en-suite with shower facilities.
The latest product innovation is the Running Water Deluxe Accessible Wigwam Cabin which can accommodate wheelchair users, including a spacious wet room, turning circles, a lowered sink and hob, fitting for a mobile hoist and more. Several existing sites have ordered these brand new cabins that will help lead the way in product innovation for the glamping industry.
Feedback: John Ridout of Wigwam Holidays Penbugle Organic Farm in Cornwall says: “If you buy into Wigwam Holidays you get quality workmanship and a product that you can rely on. We feel part of a community offering support having invested in a brand that we can trust.”
Great Farm, Cotswolds
Description: The site has four areas around a farm offering individually designed camps. With locations primarily for two to four people, the glampsite offers a quiet base from which to enjoy the surrounding Cotswold Countryside
Service: Planning consultancy for retrospective planning permission
Supplier: Acorus Rural Property Services (Acorus)
Telephone: 01392 873900
Website: www.acorus.co.uk
Details: The owner of this glamping site contacted Acorus after receiving correspondence regarding its glamping activities. Initially the applicant had thought that as the accommodation is moveable planning permission would not be required, however further discussions with the local planning authority led to the need for a planning application to retain the four camps on site.
The camps comprise a range of accommodation including shepherd huts, timber pods and a converted railway carriage, and each camp has its own hot tub. Acorus worked on behalf of the applicant to prepare, submit and manage the planning application through the process. Queries regarding access and parking took significant time to negotiate and agree with the council, however, once resolved, planning permission was granted subject to conditions.
Customer feedback: Acorus has continued to assist the applicant on other planning matters on the wider holding.
Sites across Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland. Could you be next?
Description: Unique spaces in unexpected places
Service: Provision and installation of design-led pods as tourist accommodation together with a complete tourism support package
Supplier: further.space
Telephone: +44 2890 993499
Website: www.further.space/partners
Details: further.space is a network of partners that gives holidaymakers distinctive and memorable experiences in wonderful natural locations, staying in design-led pods. Its partnership model allows landowners and farmers to maximise the potential of their land through tourism, one of the biggest contributors to our economy.
further.space offers a partnership opportunity which includes a support package comprising finance, planning guidance, marketing support and a booking system, as well as visitor experience training.
To join the select network of partners in handpicked locations, apply at www.further.space/partners.
Feedback: A further.space partner said: “For a long time, I have wanted to develop a holiday accommodation business on my land. A lack of knowledge about the tourism and hospitality industry as well as financial constraints have held me back. Then I heard about the further.space partnership opportunity. They have given me the support package and guidance I needed to move my dream forward and I cannot wait for my site to open later this year.”
Walnut Treehouse
Description: Treehouse project in development
Service supplied: The design and build of a bespoke treehouse structure
Company: Morel & Co
Telephone: 07849 514588
Website: www.morelcompany.co.uk
Details: Morel & Co was approached by the client to design and install a treehouse structure for the self-catering holiday rental market. The brief was for a structure that would appeal as a couples’ short break retreat, incorporating unique features and facilities both inside and out to differentiate it from other treehouse rentals.
Located within 50 minutes of London, a striking, contemporary design is being created using a combination of wood shades and textures. Internal features will include contemporary art, sculpted walls, creative lighting and bespoke furnishings.
External features include a partially-covered deck area with a new outdoor hot-tub concept, which is currently undergoing design and is being created in collaboration with Naked Flame Eco Tubs.
Feedback: Client Eleanor Davies said: “Working with Morel & Co has given us the benefit of working with a number of experts in one team. Kate is incredibly knowledgeable about all elements of glamping and how the industry is evolving and we feel that her experience has been invaluable. Leigh in incredibly creative and totally passionate about his craftsmanship and we are very excited to see how this translates beyond design and into build.”
Leading Dorset Glamping Site
Description: A luxury glamping and touring park site in Dorset with a range of on site activities
Service: Site operator insurance
Company: Towergate Insurance
Telephone: 01242 531143
Website: www.towergateinsurance.co.uk/caravan-site-insurance
Details: Towergate provided cover for all the glamping units, site operator buildings and facilities (office, toilet block etc), activities and farm machinery at this high end glamping and caravanning site in Dorset. With structures comprising pods, yurts and domes, its facilities include a catering trailer, hot tubs and a spa treatment centre, with additional farm buildings worth over £500,000.
The site offers an extensive list of activities which include spa treatments, spa days, hot tub hire, chicken hire, tractor rides and animal petting.
Towergate’s site operator insurance is designed for business use therefore cover includes public and employer liability as standard with business interruption and legal cover also available.
Feedback: “The customer had been with their previous insurer for over five years but not only did we beat them on price, they were particularly impressed with our customer service and attention to detail. This made it a ‘no brainer’ and they switched without hesitation.”
